340 N. H. STATE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. 



The most marked difference between the two samples by 

 the above analyses, is in the compounds sulphite and hypo- 

 sulphite of lime. The latter of these substances dissolves 

 readily in water, and its presence in such widely different 

 proportions satisfactorily accounts for the different effects 

 which Iiave followed from the application of gas lime to 

 the land in different districts in Great Britain. The rains 

 dissolve the hyposulphite and the sulphurs, and carry them 

 down in too great quantity to the roots of young grain ; 

 and hence the complaints of some that the gas lime killed 

 their wheat, while others found that, when applied as a top 

 dressing in a similar way, it greatly improved their crops. 

 Therefore, unless the composition be satisfactorily ascer- 

 tained, there will always be a degree of risk in applying it 

 to the grain while the crop is growing. 



Gas lime, however, in no case, if possible, should be 

 wasted, as it would appear that it may always be safely 

 employed with good effect under the following circum- 

 stances : 



1. It may be used directly upon mossy land, upon naked 

 fallows, and in the spring, when preparing for turnips. 



2. In composts, in which the whole of the soluble salts 

 of lime will have a tendency to be converted into gypsum by 

 the action of the air ; and consequently the benefits which 

 result from a large application of gypsum will be obtained 

 by laying such composts upon the land. 



3. As it appears usually to contain only a small propor- 

 tion of caustic lime, it may with safety be mixed at once 

 with barn-yard or other animal manures, though not in too 

 large quantity. It may also prove a valuable admixture 

 with guano, on which its action would ultimately be to fix 

 rather than expel the ammonia. 



4. Strewn sparingly over the young turnip plants, it is 

 stated tliat it prevents the attack of the turnip fiy ; and 

 harrowed in, wlien the ground is naked, if the quantity be 

 considerable, slugs and wire worms disappear from its 

 effects. 



